Systems and methods for gaming stored value cards

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for creating and managing stored value cards from within a gaming environment that can be used to place wagers on gaming machines such as slot machines are disclosed. Stored value card systems are described which include one or more gaming machines with a stored value card reader, a stored value card server and a stored value card management module used for creating stored value cards and also for validating the cash value associated with a stored value card when read by a stored value card reader.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of PPA Ser. No. 61/109,169, filed Oct. 28, 2008 by the present inventor, which is incorporated by reference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates generally to networked gaming systems, and more particularly to networked gaming systems, methods and stored value cards that can be used to place wagers on gaming devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Gaming machines, such as slot machines or poker machines have in recent years become one of the more popular, exciting, and sophisticated wagering activities available at casinos and other gambling locations. At the same time, gaming machines have also become a source of greater revenue for gaming establishments.

As the subject field progressed a need emerged for systems that could manage specific functionalities of gaming machines. Gaming machines can be linked by computer networks utilizing various server equipment, software and a plurality of communication protocols designed to collect data such as cash-in, cash-out, player statistics and other. These linked computer networks are also designed to offer functionality that increases the player experience while increasing profit for the gaming operator. Such increased functionality includes type types of currency that can be accepted to place wagers on gaming devices.

As networked gaming systems evolved, alternative forms of currency to coins and bills have become available to place wagers on gaming devices and to provide added convenience to patrons. Such forms of alternative currency include Ticket-In/Ticket-Out ticketing which allows slot players to move from gaming machine to gaming machine by cashing out available cash in the form of paper tickets that can be re-inserted into a gaming machine for play.

An additional form of alternative currency that has evolved is called promotional credits. Promotional credits are bonus awards in the form of cash and credits that a gaming operator can credit to a players' loyalty rewards account. Promotional credits can be loaded to a player's rewards card and be used like cash to play gaming devices. However, promotional credits must be earned by playing gaming machines or received through periodic promotions. In addition, a person would have to have a gaming establishments' player's rewards card to earn and use promotional credits.

Alternative forms of currency like Ticket-In/Ticket-Out tickets and promotional credits cannot be purchased by patrons through internal or external distribution channels such as online or brick and mortar retail locations. Therefore Ticket-In/Ticket-Out tickets and promotional credits cannot be purchased for personal use or be purchased to be given as a gift which dramatically decreases the potential revenue a gaming operator could generate.

Today, gaming operators such as casinos cannot offer their customers the option to purchase stored value cards, also known as gift cards, that can be used to place wagers on gaming devices. Although the majority of all North American casino operators sell gift cards, existing casino gift cards can only be used to purchase goods and services within the gaming establishment, but existing gift cards cannot be used to place wagers on gaming devices such as slot machines, to place a bet at the race and sports book or to place a bet on a table game such as black jack because a system does not exist to handle the creation and validation of stored value cards that can be used to place wagers on gaming devices.

Thus, there remains a need to provide gaming operators systems and methods to make, market and sell stored value cards that casino patrons can use to place wagers on gaming devices and use as gift giving items such as a gift card.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, one or methods are provided for gaming operators such as casinos to make, market and sell stored value cards that can be used to place wagers on gaming devices.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a stored value card management module is provided for generating, validating and managing stored value cards.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a stored value card server is provided for hosting a stored value card management module and connecting to one or more gaming machines.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a stored value card database is provided for recording transaction history of one or more stored value cards.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the stored value card server and stored value card management module may be networked with a gaming system such as a casino management system (CMS) or slot management system (SMS) or be implemented as standalone stored value card system.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, an external network may be connected to a stored value card server so that a gaming operator can contract a third party stored value card distributor to generate, market and sell stored value cards.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, stored value cards generated by the stored value card management module can be used to pay for goods and services such as food, drink, hotel charges and spa treatments when the stored value card management module is networked with a gaming system connecting to a gaming establishments' point-of-sale system.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a closed loop stored value card system in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the steps for generating stored value cards through a stored value card management module in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the process of using a stored value card created by a stored value card management module to place a wager on a gaming device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an open loop stored value card system in accordance with one ore more embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the process of using a stored value card generated by an external stored value card server to place a wager on a gaming device in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DRAWINGS - Reference Numerals 110 - gaming machine 112 - card reader with player interface 114 - gaming machine mainboard 116 - stored value card 116a - external stored value card 118 - internal network 120 - CMS/SMS 122 - stored value card server 124 - stored value card management module 126 - stored value card database 128 - operator terminal 130 - stored value card transaction terminal 210 - POS system 212 - external network 214 - external stored value card server

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIRST EMBODIMENT—FIG. 1

Various embodiments are directed to a stored value card server, a stored value card management module, a gaming machine, a networked gaming system and methods for generating, managing and validating stored value cards that can be used to place wagers on gaming devices within in a gaming environment. The embodiments are illustrated and described herein, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation.

Referring to FIG. 1, a closed loop stored value card system is shown.

A networked gaming system, casino management system (CMS) or slot management system (SMS) or collectively referred to as CMS/SMS 120 is provided.

CMS/SMS 120 is comprised of one or more servers hosting one or more software modules which provide functionalities to manage gaming device operations. For example, a typical CMS/SMS 120 would include a server hosting an accounting module to manage the amount of cash inserted into a gaming machine and how much a gaming machine pays out.

A stored value card server 122 is provided for hosting software that manages the generation, validation and operation of stored value card data. Stored value card server 122 may be networked with one or more servers that comprise CMS/SMS 120 or may be integrated within a gaming environment as a standalone system.

A software program or a stored value card management module 124 is provided hosted on stored value card server 122. Stored value card management module 124 is a scalable software program that performs a plurality of functionalities for creating, managing and validating one or more stored value cards 116 that can be used as cash to place wagers on gaming devices within a gaming environment.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, functions that may be performed by the stored value card management module 124 include:

Creating Stored Value Cards—An operator may define new stored value card programs by determining the cash value of each stored value card 116, the total value of the stored value card program, the number of stored value cards 116 per program, program start dates and expiration dates.

Editing—An operator may edit existing stored value card programs by adding additional cash value to stored value cards 116, extending expiration dates and issuing new stored value cards 116.

Reporting—The stored value card management module 124 may generate a plurality of reports. Reports may include the number of stored value cards 116 redeemed, the value of outstanding stored value cards 116, how many stored value cards 116 have been sold, how many stored value cards 116 are redeemed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, the average time it takes for a stored value card 116 to be redeemed after it has been sold and which gaming devices are most played with stored value cards 116.

Rules—The stored value card management module 124 may be used to define specific rules for each stored value card program. For example, a stored value card program might receive $5 in free slot play if used by a specific date. Additionally, a rule may be implemented that stored value cards 116 are required to have a pin number associated with the account prior to usage. A further example of a rule that may be implemented on a stored value card program may be that the value of a stored value card 116 cannot be cashed out but must be played. Rules provide gaming operators options to implement stored value card programs that meet their specific sales and marketing objectives.

Activation/Validation—The stored value card management module 124 is responsible for receiving and transmitting stored value card validation request signals, initiating stored value card 116 validation procedures and transmitting activation and error signals in response to stored value card validation requests.

Cash Value Updates—The stored value card management module 124 credits and debits a stored value card account after each transaction and allows patrons to re-load cash to stored value cards 116.

Assign Unique Identifiers—An operator may use the stored value card management module to assign each stored value card 116 a unique identifier such as a serial number either by inputting serial numbers they prefer or assigning a unique identifier using a random number generator that may be a functionality of the stored value card management module 124.

Load Card Data—The stored value card management module 124 may encode digital data onto stored value cards 116 through a connected read/writeable card swipe device with access to stored value card management module 124. For example, when a blank stored value card 116 is read by the card swipe device, a data load request signal is sent to the stored value card management module 124. Responsive to the data load request signal, the account details for the stored value card 116 are accessed and sent to the card swipe device. Upon swiping a stored value card 116 on the card swipe device, the account information including cash value will be loaded onto stored value card 116.

The stored value card management module 124 may be programmed to communicate with one or more software modules that comprise CMS/SMS 120. For example, financial data processed through stored value card management module 124 may be transmitted to an accounting module or database within CMS/SMS 120.

Stored value cards 116 can be manufactured from plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or any other type of similar rigid material and may be manufactured in various sizes including 2″×3″, 3″×5″, 4″×6″ or any size required reader with a player interface 112.

Stored value cards 116 contain a plurality of digital data that can be read and transmitted. The digital data stored on a stored value card 116 may include cash value, creation date, a pin number registered to the stored value card account, a serial number, information regarding the issuing gaming establishment and distribution channel information such as where the stored value card 116 was purchased. Stored value cards 116 may contain digital data through a magnetic strip that stores digital data or through a microchip commonly used on smart cards.

A stored value card database 126 is provided, hosted on stored value card server 122. The stored value card database 126 stores a plurality of transaction history data relating to the creation, validation and usage of stored value cards 116. For example, any time a stored value card 116 is used the transaction is recorded in stored value card database 126. The stored value card database 126 may be accessed by one or more executable programs for generating reports.

An operator terminal 128 is provided which may be comprised of a PC, a monitor or display, a GUI interface, a keyboard and a read/writeable card swipe device connecting to CMS/SMS 120 with access to stored value card server 122 and stored value card management module 124.

Operator terminal 128 is used by gaming establishment personnel to access, manage, edit and operate stored value card management module 124. For example, an operator can access stored value card management module 124 to create a new stored value card program for a specific season or promotion. An operator may be required to provide passwords and usernames for security purposes when accessing stored value card management module 124.

Stored value card account data may be recorded to stored value cards 116 by a read/writeable card swipe device connected to operator terminal 128.

A gaming device such as an electronic or mechanical slot machine or gaming machine 110 is provided. Gaming machine 110 is comprised of at least one PC, mainboard or gaming machine mainboard 114 that may have one or more communication ports to send and receive information from CMS/SMS 120, stored value card server 122 and stored value card management module 124 and additional hardware peripherals.

A card reader with player interface 112 is connected to gaming machine 110 through gaming machine mainboard 114. The card reader with player interface 112 is a card input and communication device capable of reading digital data on cards commonly used in a gaming environment such as a player rewards card and stored value cards 116.

Card reader with player interface 112 transmits stored value card validation request signals to the stored value card management module 124 upon reading a stored value card 116 and is receptive to activation and error signals sent by stored value card management module 124.

A stored value card transaction terminal 130, which may comprise a PC, a monitor or display, a keyboard and a read/writeable card swipe device, is provided connecting to CMS/SMS 120 with limited access to functions within stored value card management module 124.

Stored value card transaction terminals 130 may be placed throughout the gaming environment as a tool to exchange stored value cards 116 for cash or to place wagers on gaming devices other than slot machines such as table games, keno, bingo or to make a wager at a race and sports book. For example, a person might want to use a stored value card to buy $20 in chips to play black jack. The individual would provide the card to an employee who would swipe stored value card 116 on a read/writeable card swipe device attached to stored value card transaction terminal 130. A stored value card validation request signal would be sent to the stored value card management module 124 initiating a procedure to determine the cash value of the stored value card 116. Upon successful validation, the employee would be able to provide the patron $20 in gaming chips and the account associated with the stored value card 116 would be debited $20.

In one ore more embodiments, stored value card management module 124 is receptive to stored value card validation request signals sent from a card reader with player interface 112 and stored value card transaction terminal 130.

Stored value card management module 124 is capable of transmitting stored value card activation and error signals in response to stored value card validation request signals to card reader with player interface 112, gaming machine mainboard 114 and stored value card transaction terminal 130.

A communication network or internal network 118 is provided. Internal network 118 may be comprised of a LAN or WAN supporting one or more gaming approved communication protocols such as SAS or G2S.

Internal network 118 connects and transmits various communications between CMS/SMS 120, operator terminal 128, stored value card transaction terminal 130, gaming machine mainboard 114, card reader with player interface 112.

OPERATION—FIRST EMBODIMENT—FIGS. 2 and 3

Referring to FIG. 2, a flow chart is provided illustrating the steps for generating stored value cards 116 through a stored value card management module 124 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

In step 310, a gaming operator may login to the stored value card management module 124 through operator terminal 128. The operator may be required to type in a password and a username to gain access.

In step 312, once logged-in to the stored value card management module 124, the operator may choose one or more programs to access. In this example, the operator would choose to create a new stored value card program.

In step 314, an operator would use the stored value card management module 124 to define specific parameters and rules of the stored value card program. For instance, an operator may choose to generate a stored value card program valued at $100,000.00. The operator chooses how many stored value cards to be valued at $10, $20, $25, $50, $100 and $250 or any other card value they prefer. An operator would then assign unique identifiers to each stored value card 116. A unique identifier can be a serial number. An operator can choose to define the unique identifier or generate random serial numbers through a random number generator program within the stored value card management module 124.

An operator may also define rules pertaining to how the stored value cards 116 may be redeemed. For example, the operator chooses to set a rule that the stored value cards must be registered before they can be activated for play.

In step 316, the operator can choose to either edit the stored value card program they just created data or to save the program.

In step 318, once a stored value card program has defined and saved an operator can swipe blank stored value cards 116 through a card swipe reader/writer connected to operator terminal 128 which will load the individual account information on to stored value cards 116.

In step 320, according to one or more embodiments, stored value cards 116 are now prepared to be sold and to be used as promotional marketing tools such as in-room giveaways, direct marketing campaigns or to be handed out through the gaming establishment. Stored value cards 116 may be distributed for sale through various distribution channels including; online, retail, direct marketing, casino gift shops and other.

Stored value card 116 may now be used to place wagers on gaming devices such as slot machines or to be exchanged for cash to make wagers on other gaming devices such as table games, keno, bingo or at a race and sports book through the use of stored value card transaction terminal 130.

Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart is shown illustrating the process of using a stored value card 116 created by stored value card management module 124 to place a wager on a gaming machine 110 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

In step 410, stored value card 116 is inserted into card reader with player interface 112.

In step 412, upon reading stored value card 116, card reader with player interface 112 sends a stored value card validation request signal to stored value card management module 124.

In step 414, upon receiving the stored value card validation request signal, the stored value card management module 124 initiates procedure to verify account details of stored value card 116. The validation procedure may include accessing stored value card database 126.

In step 416, the stored value card management module 124 responds to the stored value card validation request signal with either an activation signal or an error signal to card reader with player interface 112.

In step 418, if an error signal is sent to card reader with player interface 112, the stored value card 116 may have to be re-inserted, the stored value card 116 may have expired or the cash value of the stored value card 116 may have been depleted. Instructions to remedy the error message would be visible on the player interface.

In step 420, if an activation signal is sent to card reader with player interface 112, the player interface may display one or more options for downloading the cash value of stored value card 116 to the gaming machine 110. Download options a player may choose from include; download the entire cash value of stored value card 116 or download a portion of the stored value card 116 cash value to gaming machine 110.

In step 422, once the player chooses a download option, a signal will be sent to account management module 124 letting it know a download selection has been made. The account management module 124 will send a signal including the cash value information to gaming machine mainboard 114 and the cash value selected will be downloaded to the gaming machine 110 credit meter and the stored value card database 126 would reflect the new cash value balance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT—FIG. 4

Referring to FIG. 4, an open loop stored value card system and method is shown for the creation, validation and distribution of stored value cards 116 a generated by external stored value card server 214.

An external stored value card server 214 may be connected to CMS/SMS 120 through an external network 212.

External stored value card server 214 may host one or more software programs to create, validate and mange stored value cards 116 a. External stored value card server 214 can also be used to network multiple CMS/SMS 120 so that stored value cards 116 and 116 a may be used to place wagers at multiple gaming properties.

As a reference, stored value cards generated by stored value card management module 124 are referred to as stored value cards 116. Stored value cards generated by external stored value card server 214 are referred to as stored value cards 116 a.

External stored value card server 214 may be operated by one or more third party stored value card distribution companies or financial processing companies contracted by a gaming operator to make, market, manage and sell stored value cards 116 a. Third party distribution companies provide systems and methods to create stored value cards 116 a and established distribution networks.

Once stored value cards 116 a have been created they may be distributed through various distribution channels for sale. Possible distribution channels may include; online, brick and mortar retail or through direct mail distribution channels and other. Stored value cards 116 a may now be brought into the contracting gaming establishment and be used to place wagers on gaming devices.

In one or more embodiments, CMS/SMS 120 may be connected to a point-of-sale system or POS system 210 through internal network 118 so that stored value cards 116 and 116 a can be used to pay for goods and services such as food, drinks, hotel stays, spa visits and merchandise. In one or more embodiments stored value card server 122 may connect to POS system 210 when implemented as a standalone system.

When stored value card 116 is used to purchase goods or services at POS system 210, a stored value card validation request signal will be sent to stored value card management module 124. Receptive to the stored value card validation request, a procedure occurs to identity the stored value card 116 account information. Upon successful validation an activation signal will be sent to POS system 210 from stored value card management module 124.

When stored value card 116 a is used to purchase goods or services at POS system 210, a stored value card validation request signal will be sent to stored value card management module 124. Stored value card management module 124 will send the stored value card validation request signal to the external stored value card server. Receptive to the validation request, a procedure occurs to identity the stored value card 116 a account information. Upon successful validation an activation signal will be sent to stored value card management module 124. Upon receiving the activation signal, stored value card management module 124 will send the activation signal to POS system 210.

Stored value card management module 124 may include additional functionalities to manage processes, signals and data as a result of the implementation of external stored value card server 214. For example, stored value card database 126 may record stored value card 116 a transaction history.

OPERATION—ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT—FIG. 5

Referring to FIG. 5, a flow chart is shown illustrating the process of using stored value card 116 a generated by external stored value card server 214 to place a wager on gaming machine 110 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

In step 510, stored value card 116 a is inserted into card reader with player interface 112.

In step 512, upon reading stored value card 116 a, the card reader with player interface 112 will send a stored value card validation request signal to stored value card management module 124.

In step 514, recognizing the stored value card 116 a was generated external to stored value card management module 124, stored value card management module 124 sends the stored value card validation request signal to external stored value card server 214 through external network 212.

In step 516, external stored value card server 214 initiates a procedure to access the stored value card 116 a account information. The external stored value card server 214 will respond to the stored value card management module 124 with either an activation signal or an error signal.

In step 518, an error signal was received by the stored value card management module 124 initiating remedy procedures. A person might be instructed through the player interface to re-insert the stored value card 116 a or to see an attendant.

In step 520, an activation signal was received by the stored value card management module 124 which sends the activation signal to the card reader with player interface 112 initiating options for the player to download the cash value of stored value card 116 a to the gaming machine.

In step 522, upon choosing how much cash value to download from stored value card 116 a a signal will be sent to stored value card management module 124. The stored value card management module will send a signal to external stored value card server 214 letting it know a download option has been chosen and will send an activation signal to gaming machine mainboard 114 instructing the cash value chosen be downloaded to the gaming machine 110 credit meter.

Upon the successful download of cash value to gaming machine 110, one or more databases may be updated with the new account balance of stored value card 116 a.

In step 524, the player can begin playing gaming machine 110 or cash out depending on any specific rules implemented when the stored value card 116 a was created.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of one ore more of the embodiments become evident:

-   -   (a) The stored value card management module allows gaming         operators to generate, manage and validate their own stored         value cards without an external network connection.     -   (b) Stored value cards can be sold creating a new revenue source         for gaming operators.     -   (c) The stored value cards described in the disclosure can be         used to place wagers on gaming devices.     -   (d) The stored value cards described in the disclosure can be         purchased as gift giving items.     -   (e) The methods described in the disclosure provide gaming         operators the option to make and sell their own stored value         cards or contract a stored value card distributor to produce and         sell stored value cards.     -   (f) Stored value cards, also known as gift cards have the         ability to drive traffic into a gaming establishment.     -   (g) Stored value cards can be used in marketing promotions as         incentives to build customer loyalty.     -   (h) Stored value cards provide the opportunity for gaming         establishments to extend their brand presence into additional         channels.     -   (i) The sale of stored value cards allows a gaming operator to         generate gaming revenue prior to a casino patron entering the         gaming establishment.

Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope

Accordingly, the reader will see that the systems and methods described herein result in gaming operators such as casinos and racinos to make, market and sell stored value cards, also widely referred to as Gift Cards, that can be purchased by patrons for gift giving items or for personal use to place wagers on gaming devices. In addition, systems and methods are provided for gaming operators to outsource the creation, management and validation of stored value cards that can be used to place wagers on gaming devices.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than the examples given. 

1. A method for managing stored value cards in a gaming environment, comprising: a. providing at least one gaming machine with a card reader, and b. providing a stored value card server connecting to said gaming machines; and c. providing a stored value card management module for generating stored value card data; d. upon reading a stored value card, said card reader transmitting a stored value card validation request signal to said stored value card management module; e. responsive to the stored value card validation request signal, the stored value card management module initiating a procedure determining whether a value is associated with the stored value card and transmitting a stored value card response signal to said gaming machine.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said stored value card management module is hosted on said stored value card server.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said stored value card response signal to said gaming machine is an activation signal.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said stored value card response signal to said gaming machine is an error signal.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said stored value card response signal to said gaming machine includes the value associated with the stored value card.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said stored value card management module downloading cash value of said stored value card to the gaming machine credit meter after validation.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said stored value card management module updating stored value card account information after cash value of said stored value card is downloaded to said gaming machine.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said stored value card management module transmitting a stored value card validation request signal to an external stored value card server; responsive to the stored value card validation request signal, said external stored value card server accessing an external stored value card database identifying a stored value account associated with the stored value card; and transmitting information associated with the stored value card to said stored value card management module; and stored value card management module transmitting an activation signal to said gaming machine.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said stored value card management module connecting to a point-of-sale system for the validation of said stored value cards used to purchase goods and services.
 10. The method of claim 1, further including a stored value card database connecting to said stored value card management module to store said stored value card transaction history.
 11. The method of claim 1, further including a stored value card transaction terminal connecting to said stored value card management module redeeming cash value of said stored value cards.
 12. The method of claim 1, further including an operator terminal accessing said stored value card management module to create, manage and update one or more stored value card programs. 